Echo News

Consultation launched for Southend YMCA free school plans

PARENTS and residents are invited to have their say about proposals for a new free school in Southend.

The Southend YMCA Community School has been given the go-ahead by Government officials and plans are being prepared for the school to open in September 2013.

It will take on 50 pupils a year aged between 14 and 19 who suffer from long-term illness or behavioural issues as well as bullied children, teen mothers and excluded children.

A consultation has been launched to get opinions and feedback on the idea.

Syrie Cox, Chief Executive of Southend YMCA, said: “It is a specialist provision. There is definitely a gap there at the moment.

“Our proposal was supported by Southend Council.”

The school will teach traditional subjects like English, maths and IT as well as sport, music and cooking.

Annette Isted, who has worked as an educational training manager for ten years at the YMCA, has been appointed as the principal of the school and will work with YMCA bosses to find a suitable location.

Ms Cox added: “We want the school to be a real asset to the community and welcome the views of parents, young people, school staff, local agencies and anyone else who may have an interest in the school.”

- Anyone that wants to find out more about the school can come along to one of two open evenings next month.

They will take place at Southend YMCA Eco-hub, 2A St John’s Road, Westcliff on Sea on Tuesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 6.

Sessions will run from 4pm until 5.15pm and from 6pm until 7.15pm on both days.
To fill in the consultation questionnaire, go to www.southendymca.org.uk/consultation. It closes on January 11.